I Am Not a Robot!

Frequently these days, I am being asked for information on Internet websites to confirm that “I am not a robot!” This requires me to place a check mark in a little box. Since this happens so often now, I only have a faint memory of the first time I was asked to do this. I thought it was silly then and I have not changed my mind now. Just before making my mark,  I still question the absurdity of such an admission and I want to exclaim out loud by responding, “No! But are you?!”

Image Credit: clipart-library.com

We are both fascinated and frustrated by robotic technology or artificial intelligence, usually known by its abbreviation, AI. Our fascination is with how easily computer programs have become useful, if not necessary, in accomplishing routine daily tasks. The cutting edge technology of AI and chatbot facilitate our searches for cooking recipes or good restaurants, help us to identify sites for home repair instructions, to locate places and find driving directions, to look up the side effects of medicines about our health issues, and a host of other searches for information. Words like coding and algorithms have made their way into our everyday speech making each of us sound like wannabe computer scientists.

Yes, AI is helping us to more quickly and efficiently obtain information and organize our lives! But who wants to be a robot or admit that we are not one?! We worry that too much automation may eliminate the need for hands-on human intervention. I still appreciate a good old-fashioned, flesh and blood craftsman, tech person, doctor, teacher, or pastor when I have a need! I’m entertained by robotic vacuums and mowers, but I don’t intend to purchase one… not yet anyway! So, it is easy for me to check that box that states, “I am not a robot!”

All of this raises the question, “Who am I?” What is our true identity in the scheme of things? The answers are in the Bible! You and I are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). That does not mean that we look like God who is a Spirit-being, but it does mean that we have God-given capacities to relate, communicate and worship our Creator. You and I are God’s specially created beings! And because of Him, we have an intellect, a will, and can feel and express emotion as we interact with our fellow human beings.

Intellect. It staggers my imagination that we have access to the wisdom and knowledge of Almighty God. The Scriptures remind us of what God says, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8). However, this same God of superior knowledge has promised through His Son, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26, NLT). The Holy Spirit who indwells each believer gives us ready access to everything we need! God gives us wisdom!

Will. We are also created with a special ability to choose right from wrong and to use our wills to make godly decisions. I have benefited from this Bible instruction since I was a teenager, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all  you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7). God helps us choose well!

Emotion. To be created in God’s image gives us the ability to feel love and to express it to others. God is described more than a hundred times in His Word as a God of love, “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy… filled with unfailing love.” (Psalm 86:15). Jesus distilled the commandments of God into two great mandates for mankind, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind… A second is equally important, Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39). God loves through us!

Let’s be thankful that we have not been created to be robots! God values us too much to reduce us to mere mechanical beings who robotically and impersonally relate to Him or others. Instead, let’s celebrate our uniqueness as God’s children and continue to use our God-given intellects, wills, and emotions to give Him glory and make a lasting difference in the world today!

Are you interested in becoming a child of God? Check out this resource and make a commitment to Him this moment. You will discover who you are and what your purpose is to be in this life. Here are the "steps to peace with God"… Becoming God's Child

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com


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